HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1144

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                         Health Care

Title:  An act relating to veterinary practice.

Brief Description:  Amending the veterinary practice act to include implanting of electronic identification devices.

Sponsors:  Representatives Dyer, Backlund, Morris, Johnson, Campbell, Cooke, Skinner, Chandler, Casada, Schoesler, Boldt, Mulliken, Huff, Mitchell, Thompson, Foreman, Robertson, Buck, Clements, Smith, Delvin, Carrell, Mielke and Sheahan.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Health Care:  2/9/95, 2/10/95 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 13 members:  Representatives Dyer, Chairman; Backlund, Vice Chairman; Hymes, Vice Chairman; Dellwo, Ranking Minority Member; Cody, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Campbell; Casada; Conway; Crouse; Kessler; Morris; Sherstad and Skinner.

Staff:  Bill Hagens (786-7131).

Background:  The practice of veterinary medicine is licensed by the Department of Health, and no person may practice veterinary medicine without being licensed as a veterinarian.

The practice of veterinary medicine includes the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals, including the prescription and administration of drugs and the performance of operations.

However, implanting electronic devices for the purposes of identification is not regulated nor included within the scope of practice of veterinary medicine.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The implanting of an electronic device for the purpose of establishing the positive identification of animals is included within the scope of practice of veterinary medicine and only licensed veterinarians may implant these devices unless otherwise provided by law.  Humane Societies and animal control organizations are also authorized to implant the devices.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: Humane Societies and animal control organizations may also implant electronic devices.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The practice of veterinary medicine should include this new technology for identifying animals.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Greg Hanon and Dr. Charles Root, Washington State Veterinary Medicine Association (pro); and Ed Manary, Department of Fish & Wildlife.